The recent threat by Governor Okorocha to use every means available to him in ensuring that Senator Ifeanyi Ararume does not clinch the APC governorship ticket, has elicited mixed reactions from a cross section of the society.
Senator Araraume, in a veiled response to the threat, while addressing a mammoth crowd of party stalwarts, supporters and stakeholders who came to receive him at the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, on arrival from Abuja over the weekend, cautioned the governor to stop playing God as no single individual, no matter how highly placed has the capacity to decide who becomes governor of the state or occupies any elective position in 2019. “The decision is that of the Almighty God and the Imo electorate. Anybody who thinks otherwise is either ignorant or not in tune with the reality of modem democracy”.
He urged the people not to judge the APC as a party by the actions or inaction of few disgruntled elements and advised them to support the party at all levels and the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari whom he said has done so much for the Igbos and entire South East zone. He cited the numerous ongoing road construction projects of the federal government and assured that President Buhari’s re-election will enhance the chances of an Igbo man occupying the position in 2023. “Please be informed that the party belongs to all of us, and we should work hard to ensure victory in 2019. You should also have it in mind that no individual can remove an elected official of the party. I urge you to use the recent tenure elongation of the party excos to build, sustain and strengthen the party’s structures for the enormous challenges ahead.
It will be recalled that Governor Rochas Okorocha had, while addressing the press shortly after the recent APC National Executive Meeting, said that, “Senator Araraume will never win the APC primaries or become governor of Imo State in my life time. If he gives trucks of money, I will give trailer loads of money to ensure he does not realize his ambition”.
The governor’s statement has elicited several negative comments and reactions from people who frowned at his unguarded speech, which they see as erroneously arrogating to himself, the power of life and death and usurping the responsibility of the electorate.
Dignitaries at the occasion include, Dr. Esom Obodo (Prince of the Oil Kingdom) Dr. Vitalis Ajumbe, Hon. Omegara etc.
